Young Love (#44)

As Nate thought about how he was going to propose, I was finishing up the school year in Chicago, mourning the loss of my sweet students. Trying not to think about never seeing them again, I focused more on my planned move to Champaign before the next school year began.

the-folksNate and I were writing to each other multiple times each day, sharing wedding ideas and making plans, and I barely noticed that I hadn’t clued in my parents on most of it — never considering how they might want to do things.

June 26, 1969 – Dear Nate. Today another teacher and I took our 40 kindergarteners to a nearby fire station (on foot) and had a blast. The kids got to see a fireman slide down the pole, blow the sirens, and pull out the hook ‘n ladder truck. It was very successful and seemed to energize the kids, but we were both exhausted when we got back to school.

June 27, 1969 – Dearest Meg, future wife. I’m writing at 2:00 AM after cleaning my field gear (tent, shovel, pack) and cleaning the latrine. Oh, this Army… At least they’ve let me keep my hair long. I know you like it that way. I’ve been thinking what a great Guide Jesus Christ is. He’s the only one with infallible advice for Meg and me.

June 27, 1969 – Dear Wonderful Nate. Your favorite kindergartener, little JoAnn, found an old jelly bean in the doll dishes today when we were doing a final clean-up of the classroom. She got so excited! It was filthy, but I didn’t have the heart to take it away from her — she ate it. I reminded the children about your visit and that you were the one who had hidden all the jelly beans. They all remembered you, which made me very happy. By the way, I wrote again to both school boards down state, Champaign and Urbana. No responses yet, but I’m not discouraged.

June 27, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I got a letter from my mother today. She said she got a look at your ring before my father mailed it, and she thinks you will be very pleased. She also wrote this: “I want to write Margaret and tell her how happy we are to have her in the family, and I also want to write her mother to show our approval of your engagement.” This all makes me really glad.

novemberJune 27, 1969 – Dear Nate. A little bad news here. I went to my folks’ place for dinner yesterday to talk about wedding stuff, since Mom is beginning to make waves about a November wedding. Our discussion didn’t go well. Mom thinks it would be better for me to stay in Chicago until you graduate from law school, teaching one more year here. She wants us to get married next summer. I tried my best not to get really angry at that bizarre suggestion. Apparently I hadn’t told them I was already looking for a job in Champaign and was planning to move there this August, two months from now. It doesn’t help that my brother will also be making a move that same month, from Wheaton College to American University in Washington DC. He’s very excited about leaving, as am I, and I think Mom is feeling “blue” because her kids will all be gone. It was a touchy conversation, but she isn’t on board at all. I’m not sure where to go from here. I wonder what she’ll say when I appear with a ring?

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

Young Love (#35)

one-kindergarten-classAs Chicago teachers began their historic strike, I walked the picket line with fellow faculty members but mourned over lost time with my kindergarten children. I loved teaching them and couldn’t wait to see them each day, so as I circled the school, I wondered who was caring for them. Concerning teacher contracts, for all practical purposes I had mentally made the move to downstate Illinois and already saw myself teaching elsewhere.

May 22, 1969 – Dear Nate. The teacher strike has been nothing but verbal whippings and tongue-thrashings all day. I’m sick of hearing everyone screaming without listening to the words of anyone else. I’d quit, but if we do get to go back to work, I’ll need the money. Besides, I’ll need a good recommendation from our principal. Last night Mom and Dad came to my apartment after I got home from my ed class. Mary and Bervin also came, along with Aunt Agnes and Aunt Helen. We had tea and warm rolls at 10:00 and talked till 11:00, but it didn’t work out to tell them about our plans. I did arrange to talk at their house in Wilmette tomorrow evening. I’m nervous, but am anxious to let them know.

May 22, 1969 – Dearest Meg. The head resident has praised my work with my 72 men this last year. He said he would recommend me for one of the head residencies next year, which would be good for us if I got one, since they are paid positions. But there are many others competing for very few slots.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I finally met privately with Dad and told him all about our intention to get engaged this summer and marry in January… or sooner, if we could work it out, like September. The two of us talked for 4 hours, hashing out the details and getting everything above board. He asked me lots of questions. On the way back to my apartment, I felt like taking the Corvette up over 100 mph, because the bottom line is that Dad approves! He feels we might be rushing to marry in January, but with time, he’ll come around. So, the stage is set for you to talk with Dad or with Mom, too, if you want. I’m filled with joyful expectation!

May 23, 1969 – Dearest Meg. (As you can tell from the typing in this letter, I’m using a vintage typewriter, 1958.) In spite of finals, I’ve tried to write you every day, because I feel so close to you while I write. I think of you all the time and love you very much.

May 23, 1969 – Dear Nate. I love you with all of me! Often I feel I’ll burst if I don’t get to see you soon! I’m so glad I will… (see you soon, not burst). I’m praying for your finals, for the calmness and presence of mind you need.

picnic-basketMay 25, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for coming to see me while the teachers continued the strike! Being with you for two days was fabulous! It was depressing when you had to leave. But the picnic at Allerton was great; Meg and barbecued chicken! I’ll see you next week – future wife, glamour girl, future mother, Christian woman – and I’ll have a talk with your father. It’s important that I talk to him first, before your mother.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)